I just bought a used 2008 LS460 and noticed that the spare (Bridgestone 235/50R18) was a different size than the 4 other tires (235/55R18). I have the Lexus 18" rims that came with the car when purchased new and I don't plan on upgrading the wheels.

I did some research and these 235/55R18 tires seem to be an anomaly. They seem to be 28.2" tall and almost a full inch taller than the stock tires which measure 27.3".

The two rear tires are new (10K miles on them), but I don't recognize the brand (Falken...). The two front tires (different brand...) will need replacement by the end of the year.

Anyone know why someone would put 235/55R18s as stock replacements for 235/50R18? Softer ride? More clearance?

I'm just trying to figure out if I get 4 new tires at 235/50R18 or get two new tires for the front at 235/55R18.

Thanks for any advice you might be able to provide.

 

sounds like they threw anything in the size 18 because neither are oem. might be able to find a gently used set on here or ebay or even craigslist.

 

Sometime you get better price on tires with the 235/55 series. So maybe that's why the previous owner did that. I have 235/55 snow tires on my oem because price difference was $200+

 

Your are right. I was looking at the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus and there's a big difference in price. The 235/55R-18s are cheaper than the 235/50R-18s at tirerack.com

$163 for the 235/55R18s = $652 for 4
$193 for the 235/50R18s = $772 for 4

That's for the tire price only.

Manny

 

Definitely get 4 of the stock size. In order to run 55's without throwing off your speedometer/odometer you would need to run 215/55/18 size tires.

This site has a nice calculator - http://tire-size-conversion.com/tire-size-calculator/

 

I found the Falken Ziex ZE-612s for $107 per tire at America's Tires in 235/55R18 with a 40K mile pro-rated warranty. I figured I give them at try to match the two Falken Ziex ZE-502s that are in the front now. The 502s are 30k miles, but looks like they need replacement.

I'll upgrade when I replace the fronts in a couple of months.

 

this is a super old thread but since there are 2 people here that have potentially fitted 235/55/18 and no one has responded to my other thread i was wondering if you had any problems with this tire size?

 

 

 

we have similar roads, as we are in neighbour countries.
so the issue is the same, thanks for sharing that these tires will not rub anywhere